Neptune attempt to hold on to top spot

HOCKEY: Neptune will attempt to hold their slim lead at the top of the ESB Superleague for at least the last weekend of 2002. On Sunday in Cork they host St Vincent's in what should also be the hardest game of the weekend, as the Dublin club are currently leading the chase on the leaders.

Unfortunately for St Vincent's, the Donnelly brothers, Karl and Emmet, are doubtful with head and face injuries respectively, while Stephen McGuirk is also struggling with the flu.

After their shock defeat at the hands of UCD Marian last weekend, Neptune will be anxious to take the points and coach Martin Aherne is currently benefiting from an injury-free squad.

Star of the Sea share the runners-up position and they too have a difficult test against UCD Marian tomorrow.

Tralee Tigers remain troubled by injuries, and coach Rus Bradburd received another blow this week with word that Barnaby Craddock left the club on Tuesday to take up a player-coach position in Israel. They face Kerry rivals Killarney Lakers, but should at least have John Teahon and Michael Quirke back in action.

Notre Dame can expect a demanding game at the ESB Arena tomorrow when they host UCC Demons. The Cork club are expected to miss Tim O'Halloran and Mark Kennedy.

Elsewhere, Killester host an in-form Limerick in what should also be a very tight game.

In the women's Superleague, Meteors return to action after a lay-off and will face a tough game against Drimnagh.

St Paul's will again be missing Marissa Galway for their trip to the Wildcats, while Tolka Rovers can expect to keep their pressure on the leaders after the home game with Tipperary Talons.

FIXTURES: Men's Superleague - Tomorrow: Waterford v Tolka Rovers (WIT, 7.30), Star of the Sea v UCD Marian (Jordanstown, 7.15), Killester v Limerick (IWA, 8.0); Notre Dame v UCC Demons (ESB Arena, 8.0), Tralee Tigers v Killarney Lakers (Tralee SC, 8.0); Sunday: Neptune v St Vincent's (Neptune, 3.30); Saturday 28th: Killarney Lakers v Notre Dame (INEC, 3.0); Women's Superleague - Tomorrow: Tolka Rovers v Tipperary Talons (Tolka, 5.30); Wildcats v St Paul's (Mercy, 7.0); Drimnagh v Meteors (Oblate Hall, 7.0); Sunday: Glanmire v Killester (Neptune, 1.0).